County officials in Washington to support Veterans' Courts

A Chester County probation official who helped set up the county’s successful Veterans’ Court diversionary program was on hand in Washington, D.C., Thursday to see legislation passed providing federal funding for similar programs.

Jennifer Lopez, the county’s deputy director of Probation and Parole, was welcomed to the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Pat Meehan, R-7th, of Upper Darby, to see the House pass the legislation providing $4 million in funding for Veterans’ Courts. The bill will now go to the White House for President Obama’s signature.

Meehan, whose congressional district includes a portion of Chester County, has long been a vocal supporter of Veterans’ Courts and their attempt to provide stability and rehabilitation to former service members who enter the criminal justice system.

Lopez, who has overseen the Veterans’ Court and other treatment court programs in the county, testified before the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science on the effectiveness of the program and the importance of continued federal support.

“Our entire staff dedicates their time to Veterans’ Courts in addition to other responsibilities,” she continued. “We are not unlike many jurisdictions, driven by judges and former service members who saw a need in our community. We can no longer do it alone. In order for all jurisdictions to effectively respond to and assist the growing number of veterans entering the criminal justice system by establishing and expanding Veterans’ Treatment Courts there must be support. It is time to make Veterans’ Courts available to all those in need.”

Lopez was joined by Bill Kelly, coordinator of Veterans’ Court system, in the appearance.

“Veterans’ Court programs across the nation are proving to be a tremendous success,” said Meehan. “Tens of thousands of American veterans are returning home from conflicts overseas, and the sad reality is that many will struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other mental illnesses.”

The county’s Veterans Court, organized by the county adult probation department in cooperation with Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Coatesville, was formed in March 2010 with the goal of reducing criminal recidivism and promoting recovery among those veterans who were charged with non-violent crimes.

The need has grown for such intensive programs as the difficulties facing military veterans grow over time — the “invisible wounds” that many endure after returning home from the service.

Participants get drug and alcohol treatment, employment and housing assistance, mentoring from fellow veterans, and access to Coatesville VA programs designed to assist their specific needs. As of last August, 618 veterans have been screened, 10 accepted, and two graduated.